NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. inland waterways continue to play a central role in keeping American agriculture competitive, moving bulk commodities efficiently while supporting jobs, exports, and the delivery of farm inputs. New federal research shows the system’s economic value has grown even as aging infrastructure raises concerns about long-term reliability.
Updated analysis finds inland waterways generate roughly $30 billion in annual economic output and support more than 200,000 jobs nationwide. Agricultural exports account for a large share of that impact, with grain shipments alone supporting about 122,000 jobs, $8 billion in labor income, and $18 billion in GDP each year. Soybeans and corn dominate export volumes, followed by wheat, rice, and sorghum.
For producers, waterways help keep transportation costs low for both outbound grain and inbound fertilizer. Many states along major river systems rely on barge traffic to meet most or all of their nitrogen fertilizer demand, helping stabilize input availability and pricing.
Regionally, the Mississippi River and Columbia–Snake River systems anchor export flows across the Midwest, Plains, Pacific Northwest, and Delta, linking inland production to global markets.
Looking ahead, analysts warn that without investment in lock expansion, dredging, and rehabilitation, disruptions could raise costs, slow exports, and weaken U.S. competitiveness against countries improving their own transport networks.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Reliable waterways lower costs, protect export demand, and support long-term farm profitability.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.
January 13, 2026 03:25 PM
·
China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
January 13, 2026 02:13 PM
·
USDA flash corn sales, Cattle on Feed and Inventory reports, and beef packer antitrust concerns dominate January agricultural market news.
January 13, 2026 01:53 PM
·
Larger grain stocks increase supply pressure, but strong fall disappearance — especially for corn and sorghum — suggests demand remains an important offset.
January 13, 2026 01:02 PM
·
Structural efficiency supports cattle prices and resilience — breaking it risks higher costs and greater volatility.
January 13, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Strong pork demand and improving beef exports outside China support protein markets despite ongoing trade barriers.
January 13, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Logistics capacity remains available, but winter volatility favors flexible delivery and marketing plans. NGFA President Mike Seyfert provides insight into grain transportation trends, trade policy, and priorities for the year ahead.
January 12, 2026 02:52 PM
·
Traders are keeping a close eye on China’s soybean purchases as markets track export sales, shipments, and progress toward the ‘magical’ 12 million ton target promised last year.
January 12, 2026 11:57 AM
·
This simple but powerful tool from Nutrien enables farmers to keep track of highly personalized input costs and expenses involved in running their operation.
January 12, 2026 09:00 AM
